A Princeton favorite just got national attention. The Bent Spoon, a small artisan ice cream shop in the heart of town, was named one of the best ice cream shops in the country by Livability.
New Jersey residents have known it for years. Now, the rest of the country is catching on. The Bent Spoon has built a reputation for bold flavors, local ingredients and a rotating menu that changes with the seasons. It’s a destination for anyone who takes their frozen desserts seriously.
On summer afternoons, a line often stretches down the sidewalk. Regulars know to expect flavors they won’t find anywhere else—lavender mascarpone, avocado lemon, chocolate ramp. The shop doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It leans into the depth of real ingredients, from organic fruit to fresh herbs and local dairy.
The Bent Spoon also keeps pace with evolving diets. Vegan options include a smooth cookies and cream and a long list of sorbets made with peak-season fruit. Everything is made in-house, with new flavors arriving frequently.
Ice cream is serious business in New Jersey. The state’s love for frozen treats fits into a larger national trend. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, Americans eat nearly 19 pounds of ice cream each year, roughly equal to 4 gallons. Consumption tends to peak during the hot July summer months, when demand for frozen treats rises sharply.
In Princeton, the loyalty runs strong. Tourists quickly turn into regulars, and locals don’t hesitate to bring friends and family from out of town. Among the town’s bookstores, gardens and historic streets, this ice cream shop has earned a spot all its own.
With national attention, The Bent Spoon has moved beyond local fame. It’s a spot worth seeking out, no matter where you’re from. And if you’re craving more, New Jersey has no shortage of great ice cream spots—check out our list of the 30 best shops across the state.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.